{"id":12327,"date":"2024-07-17T05:10:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-17T12:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/?p=12327"},"modified":"2024-07-18T17:16:52","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T00:16:52","slug":"dance-rivals-exhilarating-inspiring-incredible-performances-and-breathtaking-choreography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/2024\/dance-rivals-exhilarating-inspiring-incredible-performances-and-breathtaking-choreography\/","title":{"rendered":"Dance Rivals * Exhilarating, Inspiring, Incredible Performances And Breathtaking Choreography"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"203\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.poster-1.webp?resize=203%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12329\" style=\"width:120px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When a talented young dancer moves to Los Angeles with her family, she is nervous about fitting in. As she teaches her younger sister\u2019s dance team, she is quickly noticed and recruited by the top dance squad in the city. But tensions rise between her and the reigning dance queen, so they each assemble their own crews and settle their differences on the dance floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalynn G. comments, \u201cThe film <em>Dance Rivals <\/em>has a very competitive edge. It\u2019s amazing! The actors in this film really work together as a team. The soundtrack makes the film really energetic and very interesting. I love how this film has a ton of different emotions like sad, happy, love, and jealousy. I also love how the film includes many different genres of dance such as lyrical and hip hop.\u201d Ari S. adds, \u201cI thoroughly enjoyed <em>Dance Rivals, <\/em>which is an exhilarating new film that left me inspired and moved. What truly stands out to me are the incredible performances and the breathtaking dance sequences that bring the story to life.&nbsp;At its core, <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself.\u201d Neo M. wraps it up with, \u201cI have mixed feelings about the film <em>Dance Rivals<\/em>, but overall, I enjoyed it! The acting is on point, and helped me feel a strong connection to the protagonists. And although the plot kept me engaged with fun dance choreography and relatable teen characters, it is quite predictable\u2026\u201d&nbsp; See their full reviews and Ari\u2019s interviews with cast &amp; crew below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dance Rivals<br>By Avalynn G., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/BdpcMGAw59g?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.a.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12336\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The film <em>Dance Rivals <\/em>has a very competitive edge. It\u2019s amazing! The actors in this film really work together as a team. The soundtrack makes the film really energetic and very interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The storyline follows a girl named Lex (Savannah Lee May). She joins the best dance team in the city, but the dance captain, Skyla (Laura Kristine) is rude to Lex. Then she leaves the team and Lex takes over as captain. Lex and her friends find out there is a big competition they can enter, but they can only enter if they have five people. So they go out and find two more people to complete their team. They go back to the studio and practice their dance and the next day they go to the competition, hoping to win.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.k.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12340\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The costumes are very true to what someone would wear to dance on stage. I love how this film has a ton of different emotions like sad, happy, love, and jealousy. I also love how the film includes many different genres of dance such as lyrical and hip hop. The music in this film makes me want to get up and dance. I love the relationship between Lex and her sister Carrie. They are so sweet together and, if one of them is sad, then the other tries to make them feel better. Lex always helps Carrie out when she needs it \u2014 you can tell how much they love each other. My favorite part is when Lex takes the team that she is now coaching to the competition they entered, and they end up winning. It is super exciting!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.i.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12342\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The film\u2019s message is about teamwork and not being envious of others. Lex\u2019s team works together and ends up winning the competition. When Skyla becomes super jealous and leaves the team she misses out on winning the competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. This film releases on streaming and VOD platforms on July 16, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dance Rivals<br>By Ari S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/B8fgE7T46gA?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.j.png?resize=300%2C126&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12341\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I thoroughly enjoyed <em>Dance Rivals, <\/em>which is an exhilarating new film that left me inspired and moved. What truly stands out to me are the incredible performances and the breathtaking dance sequences that bring the story to life.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Dance Rivals<\/em> follows the journey of two ambitious dancers, each determined to outshine the other in a high-stakes dance competition. As they navigate personal and professional challenges, their rivalry intensifies, leading to a series of dramatic and emotional moments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.g.png?resize=300%2C130&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12330\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The storyline is engaging and well-crafted, drawing me closer to the film and always keeping me anticipating what\u2019s next. The standout feature of <em>Dance Rivals <\/em>is undoubtedly its choreography and the performances, particularly Savannah Lee May\u2019s, who plays Lex. Her portrayal of a passionate and determined dancer is both powerful and nuanced, capturing the essence of her character\u2019s struggle and growth. The choreography is beautifully executed and perfectly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of the story. The film\u2019s visual and auditory elements work in harmony to create an immersive experience that highlights the beauty and intensity of competitive dance.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.l.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12339\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At its core, <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself.&nbsp;<br><br>I give <em>Dance Rivals <\/em>4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 through 18. This filmreleases in theaters and streaming on July 16, 2024. Don\u2019t miss the chance to experience this dynamic and inspiring film!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dance Rivals<br>By Neo M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KiCJIt3NmVc?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.e.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12332\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I have mixed feelings about the film <em>Dance Rivals<\/em>, but overall, I enjoyed it! The acting is on point, and helped me feel a strong connection to the protagonists. And although the plot kept me engaged with fun dance choreography and relatable teen characters, it is quite predictable, which at times made me lose interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main character, Lex (Savannah Lee May), has a great passion for dance and has also taught her little sister. Lex and her sister live with their mom, who is struggling to keep up with rent and expenses. The only option left for her is to stop the girls\u2019 dance lessons. However, when she is offered a new job in Los Angeles, and the family must move, things take a turn. Lex meets a new guy, who also dances, and discovers a dance studio.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivals.m.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12338\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Savannah Lee May is excellent as Lex \u2014her dancing skills blew me away throughout the entire film; I couldn\u2019t take my eyes off her. It is also important to highlight our antagonist, whose jealousy, possessiveness, and flaming anger drive much of the conflict in the story. The storyline is basic, and, at times, I was making an effort to keep watching. Despite the downsides of this film, I was still entertained. For example, my favorite part is when Lex starts coaching her sister\u2019s friends. They all look so happy, and it brought a smile to my face. This film includes boy drama, which is very repetitive and, once again, predictable. One of my favorite parts is the final dance competition. All the dancers are so in sync that I felt like I was watching a famous dance show.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/dancerivalsd.png?resize=300%2C125&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12333\" style=\"width:250px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>There are multiple positive messages in the film. One key lesson in <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> is not to be jealous of someone with greater skills but to learn from them instead. It also explores the themes of friendship, overcoming childhood traumas, and the pursuit of dreams with determination. This film has some bad language, but is suitable for tweens and teens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I give <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to18. <em>Dance Rivals<\/em> releases on streaming and VOD platforms on July 16, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZtK1-bgaTwE?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When a talented young dancer moves to Los Angeles with her family, she is nervous about fitting in. As she teaches her younger sister&#8217;s dance team, she is quickly noticed and recruited by the top dance squad in the city. But tensions rise between her and the reigning dance queen, so they each assemble their own crews and settle their differences on the dance floor.<\/p>\n<p>KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Avalynn G. comments, \u201cThe film Dance Rivals has a very competitive edge. It&#8217;s amazing! The actors in this film really work together as a team. The soundtrack makes the film really energetic and very interesting. I love how this film has a ton of different emotions like sad, happy, love, and jealousy. I also love how the film includes many different genres of dance such as lyrical and hip hop.\u201d Ari S. adds, \u201cI thoroughly enjoyed Dance Rivals, which is an exhilarating new film that left me inspired and moved. What truly stands out to me are the incredible performances and the breathtaking dance sequences that bring the story to life. At its core, Dance Rivals teaches valuable life lessons about perseverance, self-discovery, and the importance of staying true to oneself.\u201d Neo M. wraps it up with, \u201cI have mixed feelings about the film Dance Rivals, but overall, I enjoyed it! The acting is on point, and helped me feel a strong connection to the protagonists. And although the plot kept me engaged with fun dance choreography and relatable teen characters, it is quite predictable\u2026\u201d  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[4949,15],"tags":[7964,7963,7974,1783,7968,7972,7980,7984,7978,7965,5379,7966,7977,7982,7981,7976,7969,7979,7973,5380,1166,7971,7983,7967,7970,7975],"class_list":["post-12327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-feature-film","category-feature-film-reviews","tag-6s-entertainment","tag-bella-blanding","tag-brighton","tag-by-kids-for-kids","tag-cameron-schmucker","tag-choreography","tag-dance","tag-dance-competition","tag-dance-rivals","tag-dance-studio","tag-david-barrera","tag-gunner-burkhardt","tag-hayden-summerall","tag-jaheem-toombs","tag-jeff-wright","tag-jimmy-t-summerall","tag-kip-pierce","tag-laura-krystine","tag-lilliana-ketchman","tag-maria-canals-barrera","tag-movie-reviews","tag-nayip-ramos","tag-rhett-wellingtom","tag-rivals","tag-ryan-armendariz","tag-savannah-lee-may"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/paS5I2-3cP","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12327"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12330,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12327\/revisions\/12330"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kidsfirst.org\/kidsfirstnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}